Distress signal device for aircraft, etc.



July 31, 1945- E. FENTON 2,330,587

DISTRESS S IGNAL DEVICE FOR AIRCRAFT, ETC

Filed March 1, 1943 v I 49 I W 4/ *WW Patented July 31-, v

nrs'ranss SIGNAL navrcn FOR. a AIRCR Estil min Fenton, Long Beach, cam. Application March 1, 1943, Serial No. 471,529

11 Claims. (01. 116-124) This invention relates to signal devices and relates more particularly to a distress signal device particularly well suited for disclosing the location of an aircraft that has crashed or made a forced landing: A general object of this invention is to provide a practical, dependable distress signal or rescue signal for aircraft, etc. that automatically goes into effective operation when the aircraft crashes or strikes the ocean or other body of water, and that may be manually released for operation in the event of a forced landing.

Another object of this invention is to provide .a signal device of the character referred to that may be normally contained entirely within the wing or other selected part of the aircraft and that is automatically thrown free of the aircraft for immediate operation when the craft crashes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a signal device of the character referred to that is forcibly ejected from the plane for immediate operation by a simple, manual act on the part of the pilot or other occupant of the craft, and that is forcibly and automatically ejected for operation in the event the plane becomes submerged or partially submerged in the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rescue signal device of the character referred to that embodies a balloon automatically released to rise into the air when the device is thrown free or ejected from the aircraft.

Another object of this invention is to provide a distress signal device of the character mentioned in which the balloon or the restraining line of the balloon carries a movable element in the form of a distress signal flag or pennant and the balloon may be colored, coated with luminous the'balloon remains above the aircraft to form an effective distress signal therefor.

Another object of this invention is to provide =.a-si8na1 device of the character referred to in material, or provided wit1 insignia or distress signals. The waving flag l'ept in motion by the upper air currents is effective in attracting the attention of rescuers and the balloon is colored or marked to be conspicous and plainl visible from the earths surface and from aircraft.

Another object of this invention is to provide a signal device of the character referred to in which the balloon, the anchorin line, and the flag are contained in a small cartridge readily housed in the aircraft and are automatically forced out of the cartridge by the expansive action of the gas under pressure within the balloon when the cartridge is ejected or thrown clear of the aircraft.

Another object of this invention is to provide a signal device of the character mentioned in which a part of the capsule or cartridge case forms an effective anchorfor the balloon so that which the portion of the cartridge case that is secured to the anchor line of the balloon to form an anchor is buoyant or partially buoyant so .that it will not sink an excessive depth in the water and therefore cannot carry the balloon down into the water.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signal device of the character mentioned in which the balloon may serve as a means for 10-- cating a craft that has sunk. The balloon is connected with a buoy by a restraining line and a second line of suitable length may connect the buoy with the sunken craft so that the balloon and buoy effectively indicate the position of the craft.

A further object of this invention is to provide a signal device of the character mentioned that is very light in weight and simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary diagrammatic sectional view of a portion of an aircraft wing illustrating the device of the present invention in its normal position therein. Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitu dinal detailed sectional view of the, device removed from the aircraft. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a crashed aircraft illustrating the manner in which the device of the invention forms an effective signal, and Fig. 4 illustrates another way in which the device may operate.

The signal devices of the invention may be carderstood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the particular form or application herein disclosed, but is to be taken as including any features or modifications that may fall within the scope of the claims.

The aircraft illustrated in the drawing has the usual fuselage F, wings W, motor nacelles N and other elements common to aircraft of this character. The signal devices of the invention are in preventing the entrance preferably arranged in a leading. edge por ion for the craft. In practice it will probably be preferred to arrange the signal devices in the leading edge portions of the wings W and to provide one signal device in the outer end portion of each wing.

Pig. 1 is a diagrammatic sectional view. of a portion of a wing W of the aircraft A and illustrates a pocket or opening provided in the wing to receive the signal device. The opening 0 is closed at its outer end by a cap-or plug P. The plug P is shaped so that its outer surface conforms to and forms an unbroken continuation of the leading surface of the wing W. In

' a balloon I I in the case Iiihaving a retaining line I2 connected with a part of the case I0, and means It for forcibly ejecting the case III from the opening 0 to permit the release of the balloon I I from the case.

The case In is an elongate hollow structure proportioned to be received in the opening 0 and to contain the balloon II and the case is constructed so that it may readily open to permit the escape of the inflated balloon. In the preferred construction the case III includes two sections it and It. The sections I4 and I! are elongate hollow members and arearranged in tele scopic relation. The section It which 1 will term th'e outer section has a closed inner or rear end ll. The wall or end I9 is partially spherical. The section I! which is the inner section of the case III slidably enters the forward end'of. the outer section I4 and preferably extends rearwardly to adjacent the end It. The rear edge of the inner section I! preferably carries a sealini ring II of rubber, or the like, for slidably sealing with the internal surface of the section II to assist in preventing the entrance of moisture into the case and to prevent the balloon I I from fouling the end of the inner section It. The forward portion of the inner section II has an annular shoulder opposing the end of the outer section I9 and a sealing ring I9 is engaged between the shoulder and the end of the section I4 .to assist of moisture into the case I0. 1

The forward end of the inner case section II ,is closed by what I will term a cap I9. The cap t9 may be integrally joined with the inner section IS. The cap l9 comprises two spaced rounded or partially spherical walls and 2|. The walls 20 and 2I are spaced apart to leave a substantial air chamber 22. The chamber 22 is provided in the cap I9 to give the inner case secassess-1 with the plug to force the plug out 9: the open- Latch means is provided to connect the two case sections II and I! and normally resist the tendency of the inflated balloon II to force the sections apart.- The latch means includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced split 1118s or yokes 24 on the cap I9 adjacent its inner end. Pivot pins 28 pivotally secure latches 26 in the y'okes 29. Spaced lugs 21 are provided on the exterior of the outer section It adjacent its forward end. The lugs 21 have pitched or inclined rear surfaces 2! and the noses of the pivoted latches 29 have similar surfaces for cooperating with the lug surfaces 29. A ring 29 surrounds the case III to engage the several latches 28. The ring 29 cooperates with the latches 29 to retain them in engagement with the surfaces 28 so that they prevent the case I9 from opening under internal pressure. The internal surface of the ring 29 is pitched or reawardly convergent and the external surfaces of the latches 28 are correspondingly pitched so that the holding rin 29 and the latches may be easily disengaged. The ring 29 is latched or coupled to the aircraft to be freed from the latches 28 when the cartridge or case I0 is thrown forwardly from the opening 0. Circumferentially spaced spring latches 20' are secured to the ring 29 and latch with lugs in the opening 0 when the unit is inserted in the opening. The latches 30 are effective in holding the. ring 29 against outward movement. when the device is thrown or forced forwardly the latches 80" hold the ring 29 against movement so that the latches 28 are freed from the ring. Upon the disengagement of the latches 28 from the ring 29 the latches are free to swing out of engagement with the lugs 21, the inclined surfaces 28 serving to pivot the latches outwardly.

The latches 28 are preferably formed to swing to positions .where they project laterally from the section It to form effective grapples or anchor parts. This position of the latches 29 is illus-' trated in Fig. 3. A chain 39 may be provided to slackly tie the ring 29 to the craft. A normally closed hand hole or access opening 30 may be provided in the wing W to facilitate the securing of the chain 9Ii'to the wing.

The balloon II is initially or'normally contained within the case ID. The balloon II occupies substantially the entire interior of the case and in accordance with the invention contains gas under pressure. Any selected gas that is lighter than air may be employed, but it will usually be found preferable to employ hydrogen gas because of. its greater lifting power. The baltion It buoyancy when submerged in water and is I sufficiently large relative to the weight of the section I! so that it prevents the section from sinking an excessive distance. In this connection it is to be observed that the inner section I! may be relativelylight in weight and may have a wall thickness less than the wall thickness of the outer case section I4. Asillustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawing, the case I0 just described may be supported in the opening 0 of the wing W by suitable guides 29 to readily move forwardly from the opening. The cap I! of the inner case section II is received within the plug P and is cooperable icon II may be of any selected configuration when inflated and free in the atmosphere. the particular case illustrated in the drawin the balloon II is in the form of a sphere when expanded and free ofthe case III. It is to be understood that when the balloon II is confined under pressure within the case I0 it conforms to the interior of the case.

Means is provided whereby the balloon may be inflated with the gas under pressure when with in the case I0. K valve stem 32 projects from what may be considered the forward end of the balloon II. The valve stem 32 maycarry a conventional tire valve which admits gas under pressure but which prevents the discharge of the 'gas from the balloon. The valve stem 32 extends engaged between and sealed with the spaced walls 20 and 2| so that the openings 33 are kept out of communication with the chamber 22 and cannot admit water to the chamber. With the latches 26 held in latching engagement with the lugs 21 a suitable source of hydrogen or other selected gas under pressure is connected with the valve stem 32 to introduce the gas to the balloon within the case III. In practice the balloon confined within the case I may carry gas under substantial pressure to give the balloon the required lifting power. It will be noted that the telescopically engaged sections l4 and I give the case ||l ample strength to withstand the internal pressures exerted by the inflated balloon 1 The anchor line or restraining line l2 for the balloon H has one end suitably fixed to the balloon and has its other end attached to the case section I5 or the cap IQ of that section. The line |2 may be a light, strong stranded wire or cable. As illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing the line I2 is wound or spooled on the forward portion of the balloon II to be within the wall 2| of the' cap H. A rubber reinforcing collar 35 around the inner end of the valve stem 32 may form a 1 support for the wound or spooled line 2. The line |-2 spooled on the tapering forward end of the balloon H is adapted to freely unreel without danger of -tangling or fouling. It is preferred to make the line |2 of substantial length,

' say about one thousand feet.

In accordance with the invention the balloon may be given any finish or color that is effective in attracting the attention of rescuers. The material constituting the balloon I may be dyed or painted selected colors, may be striped in different colors, etc. In the case illustrated the upper portion of the balloon carries the letterin S O S while the ,lower portion of the balloon is striped. In addition to the attractive and distinctive markings on the balloon proper the balin attracting the attention of the rescuers. The

flag 36 is wound or spooled about the forward portion of the balloon l| adjacent the spooled line 12 when the assembly is packed within the case Ill.

The means I3 is operable to project the case ID from the craft A. The means I3 is operable to project the case l8 from the craft A in the event the craft makes a forced landing without substantial impact, and in the event the craft is forced down at sea or crashes at sea. The means l3 includes a tubular or cup-like housing 31 fixed in the opening 0 of the wing W at the inner end of the case Ill. The housing 3'I-has an open forward end which opposes the rear wall I6 of the case III. A cylinder 38 is centrally and longitudinally arranged within the housing 31 in spaced relation to the housing walls. The inner or rear end of the cylinder 38 is closed and is fixed to the end wall of the housing 31. The forward end of the cylinder 38 is open and slidably receives a plunger 39. A head 40 is fixed on the forward end of the plunger 39 and cooperates with the end wall l6 of the case I8.

The means ll'furtherincludes a coiled compression spring 4 L arranged around the cylinder 31 in spaced relation thereto and bearing rearwardly against the end wall of the housing 31. The forward end of the spring 4| engages a pin 42. The pin 42 is slidably engaged in an opening 43 provided in the wall of the housing 31. The spring 4| is engaged under compression between the rear end wall of the housing 31 and the pin 42. The pin 42 is in the nature of a holdmg latch for the spring 4| and is manually controlled. The pin 42 is adapted to be controlled or released from a remote point, say the cabin or cockpit of the craft A. An operating cable 44 is secured to the outer end of the pin 42 and operates over one or more directing pulleys 42 to extend to a convenient point for manual operation. When the line 44 is operated or pulled the pin 42 is retracted from the housing 31 and the spring 4| comes into engagement with the head 40 to exert a forward force on the case Ill. The spring 4| is of suflicient strength and length to push the case l8 free and to force the plug P from the opening 0. The spring 4| is operable to push the case l0 forwardly a sufficient distance to disengage the latch heldring 29 from the latches 26 and thus free the latches so that the confined balloon may separate the casing sections l4 and I5. The expansion of the balloon separates the sections of the case l8 and the balloon rises into the air. A normally closed access opening 44 may be provided in the wing W to facilitate the latching Or installation of the pm The means l3 further includes a pressure developing means for rendering the signal efiective when the craft A crashes at sea or makes a forced landing at sea. This means includes a material 45 in the rear portion of the cylinder 38 that generates gas pressure when contacted by water. The material 45 may be carbide and'is supplied in sufflcient quantity to generate a substantial pressure within the cylinder 38. Openings 46 are provided in the wall of the housing 31 to admit water to the interior of the housing andcheck valves "are provided in the wall of the rear portion of the cylinder 38. The check valves 41 are formed to admit the water to the interior of the cylinder 38 "and automatically close against the escape of pressure when pressure is generated within the cylinder. In the event the aircraft A crashes at'sea or sinks following a forced landing water enters the wing W and passes through the openings 46 and the valves 4'! to theinterior of the cylinder 38. Upon the water contacting the material 45 gas pressure is developed within the cylinder. The pressure thus developed forces the plunger 39 forwardly and the plunger in turn forces the case l0 forwardly. This displaces the plug P from the opening 0 and projects the case ID a sufilcient' distance to free the ring 29 from the latches 26. When this occurs the balloon expands to separate the sections I4 and I5 and the balloon is freed to rise in the air. The case section |5 attached to the line l2 forms an anchor and as the case section remains at a point immediately adjacent the craft A the balloon II is held captive immediately adjacent the craft. The sealed chamber 22 of the section l5 makes the section buoyant and the section cannot sink in the water to drag down the balloon II.

It is believed that the operation of the distress signal device will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. The balloon |,the line l2 and the flag 36 are readily packed within the case I!) and the balloon is inflated to the desired extent with gas under pressure in the manner described above. The case M held sealed or closed by the latches 26 forms a compact unit that is easily mounted in the opening 0.

If the aircraft crashes, the inertia of the device accompanying the impact carries the device forwardly so that the plug P is displaced and the case III is thrown clear of the aircraft. When this occurs the ring .29 which is secured to the aircraft by the latches is released from the latches 26. The expansive force of the compressed inflated balloon ll moves the sections H and it apart and the latches 28 are swung free from the pitched lugs 21. The expanding balloon ll disengages the case sections II and [5 one from the other and the balloon is set free. The balloon rises from the section l5 and the line l2 unreels. As illustrated in Fi 3 of the drawing the section It. forms a weight or anchor at the lower end of the line I! preventing the escape of the balloon. 'The balloon ll together with the flag 36 is readily seen for many miles and rescuers are attracted by the colored balloon and the waving flag 36. It has already been de- 2. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case carried by the craft to be thrown from the craft upon a sudden impact of the craft, the case comprising two separable telescopically engaged sections, means for holding the sections against separation releasable upon the case being displaced from the craft, an inflated balloon contained under pressure within the case operable to separate the sections and rise from the scribed how the signal means may be put into operation by manually pulling on the line 44 and how the device is automatically made operative when water enters the cylinder 38. The line I! is available as anefiective antenna for a radio receiving or sending apparatus carried by the life raft, or life boat, of the wrecked aircraft.

Fig. 4 illustrates a somewhat different use or application of the invention. In this case the balloon H is anchored to the buoyant section I5, as above described, and the buoyant section I5 is in tinn connected with the craft A by a line L. The line L may be normally spooled in the inner portion of the opening 0 and its ends are suitably secured to selected parts or the craft A and section IS. The line L may be light and of substantial length. If the craft A crashes and sinks at sea the balloon l I risesin the air as above described and the section i 5 floats in the water. The line L spools out as the craft A sinks. The sunken craft A forms an anchor and the line L forms an anchor line for the buoyant section l5. Thus, as illustrated in Fi 4, the balloon is held anchored above the location of the craft A and is prevented from drifting away.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself ration while in the craft and releasable so the sections are freely separable upon the case being displaced from the craft, an inflated balloon con tained under pressure within the case operable to separate the sections when thecase is free of the craft and rise from the case upon the release of said means, and an anchor line connecting the balloon with one section of the case and connecting that section of the case to the craft so the balloon is anchored near the craft.

case upon the release of said means, a spooled line within the case having one end attached to the balloon and one end attached to a section of the case whereby said section forms an anchor for the balloon when the same is freed from the case, said section having an air chamber to be buoyant in water and a line connecting said section with the craft.

3. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case, means for supporting the case on the craft for projection therefrom to be entirely clear thereof, the case comprising two telescopically engaged separabl sections, latch means for holding the sections against separation releasable by a force tending to separate the sections, means for preventing the release of the latch means operable to free the latch means for release upon projection of the case from the craft, an inflated balloon contained under pressure within the case to exert a force tending to separate the sections and operable to release the latch means and separate the sections so as to be free to rise into the air upon the projection of the case from the craft, and means connecting the balloon with the craft for anchoring the balloon near the craft.

4. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case, means for supporting the case on the craft for rojection therefrom to be entirely clear thereof, the case comprising two telescopically engaged separable sections, latch means for holding the sections against separation releasable by a force tending to separate the sections, means for preventing the release of the latch means operable to free the latch means for release upon projection of the case from the craft, means for projecting the case from the craft, an inflated balloon contained under pressure within the case to exert a force tending to separate the sections and operable to release the latch means and separate the sections so as to be free to rise into the air upon the projection of the case from the craft, and an anchor line connecting the balloon with the craft so th balloon is anchored near the craft.

5. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case, means for supporting the case on the craft for projection therefrom, the case comprising two telescopically engaged sep rable sections, latch means for holding the sections against separation releasable by a force tending to separate the sections, means for preventing the release of the latch means operable to free the latch means for releas upon projection of the case from the craft, manually controllable spring means for projecting the case from the craft, an inflated balloon contained under pressure within the case to exert a. force tending to separate the sections and operable to release the latch means and separate the sections so as to be free to rise into the air upon the projection of the case from the craft, and an anchor line connecting the balloon with the craft so the balloon is anchored near the craft. a

6. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case, means for supporting the case on the craft for projection therefrom, the case comthe craft, means activated by water for projecting the case from the craft, and an inflated balloon contained under pressure within the case to exert a force tending to separate the sections and connected to one section of the case and operable to release the latch means and separate the sections so as to be free to rise into the air upon the projection of the case from the craft.

'7. A signal device for aircraftand the like including a case adapted to be carried by a craft for projection therefrom, a'n inflated balloon in the case, a spooled line in the case having its opposite ends attached to the balloon and case, spring means for projecting the case from the craft, and manually releasable means for holding the spring means against operation, and means whereby the balloon is released from the case to rise from the case when the case is projected from the craft.

8. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case adapted to be carried by a craft for projection therefrom, an inflated balloon in the case, a spooled line in the case having its opposite ends attached to the balloon and case, means for automatically projecting the case from the craft including a cylinder, a plunger in the cylinder, means for developing ressur in the cylinder to operate the plunger, the balloon being adapted to rise from the case when the case is projected from the craft.

9. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case carried by the craft to be thrown holding the sections against separation releasable upon the case being displaced from the craft, an inflated balloon held under pressure within the case and exerting a force tending to separate the sections and being related to the case so as to rise therefrom upon the sections separating when the case is projected from the craft, manually controlled spring means for projecting the case from the craft, andan anchor line connecting the balloon with the craft so the balloon is anchored near the craft.

10. A signal device for aircraft and the like including a case adapted to be carried by a craft for projection therefrom, an inflated balloon in the case, a spooled line in the case having its.

opposite ends attached to the balloon and case, spring means for projecting the case from the craft, and manually releasable means for holding the spring means against operation, and a remote control for the manually releasable means, the balloon being adapted to rise from the case when the case is projected from the craft.

11. A signal device for aircraft and the' like including a case carried by the craft to be thrown from' the craft upon a sudden impact of the craft, the case comprising two separable telescopically engaged sections, means for holding the sections against separation releasable upon the case being displaced from the craft, an inflated balloon contained under pressure within the case operable to separate the sections and rise from the case upon the release of said means, a line having one end attached to the balloon and one end to one of the sections, said section being buoyant in water to form a buoy for the balloon, and a second line attached to the craft and said buoyant section so that if the craft sinks it forms an anchor for the buoyant section.

ESTIL IRVIN FENTON- 

